Harriss Jones Lawyers

01/06/2026

As one client has raised with us this month, the year has gone so quickly! We’re at the end of May and we are coming up the end of financial year. Here’s the latest on what’s been happening at Harriss Jones Lawyers this past month.

As one client has raised with us this month, the year has gone so quickly. We’re at the end of May and we are coming up the end of financial year. Here’s the latest on what’s been happening at Harriss Jones Lawyers this past month.

29/05/2026

The recent Supreme Court decision in Re Estate Mitchell shows that being left out of a will due to family breakdown does not automatically bar adult children from making a family provision claim.

When a parent dies and leaves nothing to their adult children – especially after years of estrangement – those children often feel a second rejection. They may wonder: is there any point in challenging the will? A recent decision of the NSW Supreme Court confirms that estrangement alone is not a complete answer to a family provision claim. However, the Court will also respect the close bonds a deceased person formed with others who were there for them in their final years.

When a parent dies and leaves nothing to their adult children – especially after years of estrangement – those children often feel a second rejection. They may wonder: is there any point in challenging the will? A recent decision of the NSW Supreme Co

28/05/2026

Many people assume their assets will automatically go to their spouse or children, but that isn’t always the case.📝

When someone dies without a valid Will, they are considered to have died “intestate”, and strict legal rules determine how their estate is distributed. ⚖

This can create delays, additional costs and added stress for loved ones during an already difficult time. 😖

Having an up-to-date Will helps ensure your wishes are clearly documented and can help protect the people important to you.

If it’s been years since you reviewed your Will, or you’ve never had one prepared, our team can help guide you through the process with clear and practical advice.

Contact Harriss Jones Lawyers to organise your estate planning.

27/05/2026

A recent Land and Environment Court case clarifies your rights regarding overhanging trees, deadwood damage, and who pays for the pruning.

Dealing with a neighbour’s tree can be one of the most frustrating property disputes. Branches overhang your roof, deadwood litters your garden, and you worry about a large limb falling on your car or, worse, a loved one. You ask your neighbour for help, but you are ignored, denied, or told it is “an act of God.”

Dealing with a neighbour’s tree can be one of the most frustrating property disputes. Branches overhang your roof, deadwood litters your garden, and you worry about a large limb falling on your car or, worse, a loved one. You ask your neighbour for help

26/05/2026

✅ TRUE.
Under NSW law, the surrogate (and potentially their spouse or partner) is recognised as the legal parent when the child is born — until a Parentage Order is made by the Supreme Court of NSW. 👼

Many people are surprised to learn that this legal process is still required, even where everyone involved agrees on the arrangement from the beginning. ⚖

A Parentage Order is an important step in formally transferring legal parentage to the intended parent or parents after birth. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧

Understanding the legal requirements early can help make the surrogacy journey smoother and provide clarity for everyone involved.

If you’re considering surrogacy in NSW, our team can guide you through the process and help you understand your rights, responsibilities and next steps.

Contact Harriss Jones Lawyers to learn more.

25/05/2026

A 2021 NSW Supreme Court decision offers a cautionary tale about the importance of executing your will, and a reminder that good intentions don't carry legal weight without a signature.

A case study of Genesian Theatre Company Inc v State of New South Wales [2021] NSWSC 1089.

A 2021 NSW Supreme Court decision offers a cautionary tale about the importance of executing your will, and a reminder that good intentions don't carry legal weight without a signature.

24/05/2026

Many people are surprised to learn that surrogacy laws in NSW only allow altruistic surrogacy arrangements.🤰

This means a surrogate cannot be paid for carrying a child, however intended parents may reimburse reasonable expenses related to the pregnancy and surrogacy journey. 💸

Before conception takes place, all parties are also required to receive independent legal advice and enter into a written surrogacy agreement. ⚖

Surrogacy can be an exciting and emotional journey, but it’s important to ensure the legal process is handled correctly from the beginning.

If you’re considering surrogacy in NSW, whether as intended parents or as a surrogate, our team is here to guide you through each step with compassion and clarity.

Contact Harriss Jones Lawyers to learn more.

22/05/2026

This was a very difficult case. Both parents had problems. Both presented some risks to their children. The judge openly said he had to choose the "least worse option" – not a perfect solution, but the safest one available.

If you're involved in family law proceedings, this case shows you how the Court thinks when neither parent is perfect.

This was a very difficult case. Both parents had problems. Both presented some risks to their children. The judge openly said he had to choose the "least worse option" – not a perfect solution, but the safest one available.

21/05/2026

is back for another year of supporting Oyster Bay Public School! 🍎

As a proud sponsor of this great festival we can't wait to see you there to support the students of Oyster Bay. This year we've also heard the principal is getting slimed if they raise $1,500! 🤢

See you there!

20/05/2026

In a recent Class 1 development appeal, the NSW Land and Environment Court has approved an attached dual occupancy development at 13 Waterview Avenue, Caringbah South, following a successful conciliation conference between the applicant and Sutherland Shire Council.

The case demonstrates the effectiveness of the Court’s facilitated negotiation process in resolving complex residential development disputes without the need for a full merit hearing.

In a recent Class 1 development appeal, the NSW Land and Environment Court has approved an attached dual occupancy development at 13 Waterview Avenue, Caringbah South, following a successful conciliation conference between the applicant and Sutherland.